<
https://theconversation.com/indonesian-police-arrested-hundreds-after-august-riots-sending-a-chill-through-civil-society-267100>
"Mass protests against the greed of politicians led to protests in late August
across Indonesia, calling for major reforms to the political system and police
force. Civil society groups played a key role in these events.
The protests were triggered by the plans of well-paid politicians in
Indonesia’s House of Representatives to enormously increase their housing
allowances. Their subsequent ridicule of public criticism only inflamed the
situation.
When the protests resulted in casualties – in particular, the death of a
motorcycle taxi driver run over by a police vehicle – the public anger grew,
leading to riots. Public buildings, including police stations and regional
legislatures, were set on fire, and the homes of some prominent politicians
looted.
Police have since launched a huge crackdown involving systematic hunts for
activists.
By late September, police had detained thousands of protesters and named 959
suspects (equivalent to being charged in the Australian system). They included
295 children, mostly high school students.
Among those who have been detained are young activists who played a significant
role in organising and promoting the protests. These include:
* Delpedro Marhaen, head of the human rights organisation Lokataru Foundation
* Syahdan Husein, an activist associated with the student movement Gejayan
Memanggil
* Muhammad Fakhrurrozi, an activist affiliated with the Social Movement
Institute in Yogyakarta.
They have all been charged with incitement of violence under the Criminal Code
and the vaguely worded
Electronic Information and Transactions Law.
A TikToker, Figha Lesmana, also faces charges of incitement for posting an
innocuous video calling on people to join the protests.
In addition, civil society organisations claim two people disappeared during a
protest in Jakarta on August 29. Police say they are still trying to locate
them."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
